Hyundai opens doors to aftermarket companies

Hyundai has invited 20 aftermarket companies to visit its North American Headquarters to view and measure the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to get a head-start on developing performance-boosting parts.

The Fountain Valley, Calif.-based company called the exercise its official SEMA measuring session, as the annual show is typically the platform to release modified new cars in the industry.

The invited companies include seat-cover maker Wet Okole Hawaii, forced induction specialists HKS and Garrett-Honeywell.

Sitting longitudinally-mounted when powering the back wheels, the Genesis coupe boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, making 223 horsepower as opposed to 290 seen in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the latest rally-inspired vehicle.

The 310 horsepower V6 will also get some attention, as Gale Banks Engineering plans to produce a supercharger for it. The four-cylinder will also get updates to its turbo and intercooler systems from the company.

Track versions of the coupe will be offered to provide more aggressive suspension tunes, a front strut tower brace, and Brembo brakes all around, with one-piece, four-piston calipers up front.

In addition to retuned suspension compared to the standard versions of the coupe, the Genesis Track models will pick up a front strut tower brace and a full set of Brembo brakes, including four-piston monobloc calipers up front. Both Track models will sport softer Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires, sized 225/40R19 up front and 245/40R19 in back, which are lower-profile and an inch larger than the standard cars, but of the same width.

The first cars are due to arrive at dealership in February of 2009.

For more information, visit Hyundai online.